Rethinking Bathroom Renovation in Older Sydney Homes

Outdated plumbing and old architecture make bathroom renovations difficult, especially in Australia’s oldest city, Sydney. Sydney’s homes date back to the Edwardian era (early 20th century) with awkward architecture and layouts. Hence, they cannot be renovated like the new ones. You need design specialists to dismantle old plumbing with something new. The materials need to preserve the essence of nostalgia while serving the current lifestyle changes. In such circumstances, you need a bespoke service for bathroom renovation in Sydney, such as Degabriele Kitchens and Interiors, which brings experience and expertise to its project. 

Common Bathroom Challenges in Older Sydney Homes

Hidden Structural Issues

Most older Sydney homes are Federation homes with hidden structural issues due to ageing or the product of their times. Rusty old pipes, damaged asbestos, and low-performing fixtures are some of the structural problems that bathroom renovation faces during an upgrade. These issues need specialised guidance and supervision from experienced interior designers like Degabriele Kitchens. 

Outdated Waterproofing

Services for bathroom renovation in Sydney for older homes face outdated plumbing systems with little to no waterproofing. Lack of waterproofing leads to leakages and dampness, which damages tiles, electrical lines, and enables mould growth. Bathroom renovations in these homes needs complete overhaul of the old pipelines with new ones, expert designers at Degabriele Kitchens claim. 

Layout and Size Constraints

Old architecture from the early 20th century has no similarity with modern minimalist design, which is easier to renovate. Some bathrooms are excessively designed, while most homes feature cramped bathrooms. Ascertaining the proper layout and installing upgrades is a challenge in such circumstances. Hence, you need innovative designers who can work around these shortcomings to deliver a fully functioning bathroom. 

Limited Storage and Ventilation

Older bathrooms have limited storage facilities because older architecture didn’t accommodate cabinets in the bathrooms. Therefore, renovating these bathrooms would require putting in cabinetry from scratch. On the other hand, they didn’t have proper ventilation systems, often windowless, which made the bathrooms damp and damaged.

Compliance Issues

Older homes have compliance issues because home regulations were different or remained unenforced. Renovating bathrooms in these homes needs removing walls and building the layout from scratch, notes Degabriele Kitchens.

Layout Upgrades That Work in Older Homes

Smart Fixture Installation

In tight older bathrooms, you can install smart fixtures to maximise space, adding more storage or easy movement around the bathroom. Here are a few ideas on how you could achieve that:

• Wall-mounted toilets: Replacing floor-mounted toilets with wall-mounted toilets is the best option for increasing space in tight areas. You can also apply that design to vanities by installing floating vanities. 
• Pedestal sinks: These sinks work well in older bathrooms, adding space in tight older layouts. Additionally, its design adds modernity while preserving the classical look of old architecture.
• Corner units: Old bathrooms have awkward or abrupt corners, so you can install corner sinks and showers to utilise the space.

Modern Shower Setup

Installing a modern shower setup is challenging due to the outdated layouts of heritage bathrooms. However, Degabriele Kitchens suggests the following design options for fitting showers in your bathroom: 

• Walk-in showers: Old Sydney homes feature tub-showers that occupy larger spaces in a limited area. Replace them with walk-in showers to increase space for a minimalist look and modern aesthetics.
• Dual shower set: Sydney bathroom renovation services suggest dual shower sets for more convenience. These showers combine ceiling-mounted shower heads, coupled with handheld wands. 
• Curbless walk-in showers: Ideal for older homes in Sydney, these shower heads don’t require a separate space. Curbless showers are safe, and accessibility and non-slip flooring prevent accidents.
• Corner showers: Old houses have abrupt corners, and thus, you can opt for corner showers for utilising corner or curved spaces. 

Customised Storage Facilities

Older Sydney bathrooms lack sufficient storage space due to trends of the time. Trusted specialist for bathroom renovation in Sydney, such as Degabriele Kitchens, recommends the following options: 

• Customised vanities: Older architectures are abrupt and awkward. Therefore, opting for customised vanities is the best option. Custom-made cabinetry bends with the curved walls and corners to utilise space. Moreover, they help preserve the elegance of the old designs while offering modern solutions. 
• Wall-mounted storage spaces: Wall-mounted storage maximises space and increases storage area for older Sydney bathrooms. Floating shelves and over-the-toilet counters are some bathroom renovation upgrades that are compatible with old Sydney homes.
• Niche cabinets: Floating medicine cabinets or niche storage vanities provide storage space without consuming floor space. These cabinets are also referred to as recessed medicine cabinets. 

Safer Upgrades and Layout

Older Federation-style bathrooms in Sydney homes are filled with dampness and mould growth. These conditions make bathroom walls, flooring, and fixtures unsafe. Specialists such as Degabriele Kitchens advise the following steps for improving safety in your old bathroom:

• Changing the lighting: Install new LED lighting in convenient places across your old bathrooms. Sustainable light installation is the most popular bathroom renovation trend in older Sydney homes. This makes the whole place visible and easy to navigate. 
• Installing support rails: Opt for placing grab rails around sinks and toilets for support, especially if you have mobility issues. You can also install them throughout the bathroom if your layout and budget support. 
• Shower seats: Installing shower seats is also a defining feature of bathroom renovation for those who are modernising from their old layout. 

Conclusion

Sydney bathroom renovations in older homes should blend heritage with modern solutions. The design should reflect character and comfort for the bathroom's usefulness. Renovations should also focus on making the bathroom safer for use, removing dampness and mould growth. Improving ventilation and storage facilities are also some methods to bring modernisation to your old bathrooms. Moreover, you should hire experienced interior designers like Degabriele Kitchens and Interiors to guide and manage your renovation project. Degabriele Kitchens has veteran designers with decades of experience in the industry. We also source our products and materials from our in-house factory with top-quality assurance. Additionally, our project managers are aware of market trends and effectively manage projects to be completed within the designated timelines. Visit our website for more information and book a free consultation today. 

FAQs

1. How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Sydney for an older home?

Service for bathroom renovation in Sydney charges more for older homes than for regular renovations. This is because of higher labour costs for removing outdated plumbing lines, electrical systems, walls, tiles, and fixtures. It also adds time and labour power required to complete the project. 

2. Do I need council approval to renovate a bathroom in Sydney?

You don’t need council approval for regular renovations. However, if you’re renovating an older bathroom in a heritage home in Sydney, you may need permission from local authorities. Degabriele Kitchens suggests early notifications to avoid delays. 

3. Are bathroom renovations in Sydney apartments different from those in old houses?

Apartment bathroom renovations in Sydney include plumbing restrictions, noise restrictions, and design approval from authorities. Meanwhile, older houses may or may not require renovation permissions depending on circumstances. 

4. How do I choose the right bathroom renovation specialist in Sydney?

Look for design specialists who have experience in the industry and compare their online reputation. Check their record of completing projects within the timeline and budget. 

5. What materials work best for bathroom renovation in Sydney’s climate?

Sydney’s humid climate breeds mould growth and dirt in the bathrooms of old homes. Thus, moisture-resistant, durable fittings, and waterproof materials are some best options that can be used for bathroom renovation in Sydney to prevent dirt and mould growth.